[Bond007]

chad,

I'm awfully sorry to hear about your loss. I can't even begin to imagine what that pain must be like. Last year I lost my grandmother, who was more like a mother to me than anything else. I know that I have not yet completed the grieving process and I have suffered from severe depression before as well. The two coupled together can really wreak havoc on your life.

The suggestions you've been given are all good ones. And, I'm encouraged that you have decided to follow through with seeing a medical professional. They can really help you through this difficult time. One piece of advice, though, is that you need to keep an open mind about seeing someone. They can only help as far as you're willing to give. It will be hard. There will be days that you'd rather not go, but you need to keep plowing ahead.

My aunt is a Family Counselor and she has been a great help for me. Something she told me still sticks in my mind. She advised me that men do tend to struggle with the grieving process longer than women do. When losing a loved one, especially a child, a father may take as long as 3-5 years to really come to grips with the loss. But, you'll get through it. You just need to give it time and be patient.

We're around if you need someone to talk to. I wish you the best of luck.